Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Due Diligence • Intelligence Gathering • Activity Checks

Intellectual Property

Term from Private Investigation industry explained for recruiters

Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creative works, ideas, and business secrets that companies and individuals own and want to protect. This includes things like product designs, company logos, inventions, and confidential business information. Private investigators often help companies find out if someone is copying their products, using their brand without permission, or stealing their business secrets. Think of it like protecting a company's valuable ideas the same way you would protect physical property like buildings or equipment.

Examples in Resumes

Conducted surveillance operations to identify Intellectual Property theft at manufacturing facilities

Led IP infringement investigations for major retail brands

Managed complex Intellectual Property cases involving counterfeit product distribution

Successfully resolved IP Rights violation cases through evidence collection and documentation

Typical job title: "Intellectual Property Investigators"

Also try searching for:

IP Investigator Corporate Investigator Brand Protection Investigator Anti-Counterfeiting Investigator Private Investigator IP Rights Investigator Corporate Security Investigator

Where to Find Intellectual Property Investigators

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

• LinkedIn IP Protection Groups
• LinkedIn IP Professionals

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a complex international IP theft investigation?

Expected Answer: Should discuss experience coordinating with international law enforcement, understanding different countries' IP laws, managing multiple surveillance teams, and creating comprehensive investigation strategies.

Q: Describe your experience training junior investigators in IP cases.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership experience, ability to teach investigation techniques, knowledge transfer methods, and examples of successful team development.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What methods do you use to document IP infringement evidence?

Expected Answer: Should explain photography/video documentation, maintaining chain of custody, proper reporting procedures, and experience with evidence collection tools.

Q: How do you determine if a product is counterfeit?

Expected Answer: Should describe authentication techniques, working with brand representatives, knowledge of common counterfeiting signs, and documentation procedures.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between a trademark, copyright, and patent?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding of different IP types: trademarks for brands/logos, copyrights for creative works, and patents for inventions.

Q: How would you start investigating a potential IP infringement case?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic investigation steps like gathering initial information, documenting reported violations, and consulting with supervisors on investigation plan.